Instant Pot Smashed Potatoes (Quick & Simple)

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Around here we love whipping up some smashed potatoes for a quick and easy side dish that goes with just about anything! What you’re going to love about these instant pot smashed potatoes is not only are they quick, easy, and delicious, but clean up is a breeze because you’re only dirtying up one pot! And you’re sure to look like the most amazing cook!

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Mashed and Smashed, What’s the Difference?

For a long time I didn’t know what the difference was between mashed and smashed potatoes. But there’s for sure a difference. Mashed potatoes are more fluffy and smooth without any potato chunks and they also don’t have the peel on them usually. Smashed potatoes keep the peel on and they tend to be a little chunky too. I personally prefer the smashed potatoes because I like having all the nutrients the peel contains and the thicker consistency.

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What Potatoes to Use for Smashed Potatoes?

You can really use any potatoes you want. But I typically use either yellow or red potatoes for this instant pot smashed potato recipe. The photos are all of yellow potatoes.

Which Main Dishes to Serve Smashed Potatoes With?

These can go with literally just about anything. Some of the main dishes we enjoy with these instant pot smashed potatoes are:

• Fried Chicken
• Steak
• Baked Pork Chops
• Meatloaf

Just fix up your main dish, your smashed potatoes, and throw in a veggie like green beans or broccoli! Bonus, you can add in some yummy sourdough bread or some homemade biscuits! And you’ve put together a healthy, nourishing meal for your family! After all, there’s nothing like a good ol’ country meal gathered around the table!

Also, don’t forget these would make the perfect side dish to take to a potluck, family gathering like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or to a friend you’re taking a meal to!

Toppings for Instant Pot Smashed Potatoes

Most of my family likes their smashed potatoes plain, straight out of the instant pot. But I’ve always loved adding toppings! Some of my favorite toppings to add are:

• Cheese
• Sour Cream
• Green Onions
• Bacon Bits

Instant Pot vs. Slow Cooker

I’ve always been a diehard slow cooker kinda person, but one year my husband bought me an Instant Pot for our anniversary. It sat in the box for a few months before I worked up the nerve to try something in it. I made a whole chicken. I was blown away how fast that entire chicken cooked and how easy it was. But that was all I cooked in the thing for like 3 years. Just recently I’ve started using it more and now I use it almost daily! I actually have veggie soup in it now. Don’t worry I didn’t break up with my slow cooker! But the instant pot is so versatile and I’m seeing how quickly I can cook things in it.

So if you don’t have an instant pot yet, add that to your wish list! It’s one of my most used kitchen appliances. Or if you already have one but you’re intimidated by it, just start with this recipe! I promise you can’t mess it up!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Smashed Potatoes

• Yellow or Red Potatoes: You can use any potatoes, but these are my two favorite types of potatoes to use for this recipe.
• Chicken Broth: When using the instant pot you need to use some sort of liquid. I love adding chicken broth for the added health benefits. You can use your own homemade chicken broth, purchase from a local farm, or I like using the Kettle & Fire brand from your local grocery.
• Salt: Adding salt to any recipe helps to enhance all the flavors. I love using my Redmon’s Salt for this. Use code gatheringgrace15 for 15% off.
• Pepper: Is optional for this recipe, but I typically add it in and adjust to taste.
• Garlic Powder: You could add in fresh garlic, but when I’m in a hurry just using garlic powder adds all the flavor and makes the cooking go quicker.
• Onion Powder: You can flavor so much with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, don’t ever doubt the powerhouse of flavor those 3 together can offer!
• Butter: Adding a good healthy, fatty butter to these gives a rich flavor and butter is a healthy fat for our bodies! I either buy butter from a local farm or I also like Kerrygold. Try to get butter from grassfed cows for the best quality.
• Milk: This is optional. But if you want a little more creamy texture you can add the milk in. I use raw milk but any milk will work.
• Parsley: I love adding parsley to this recipe. It adds so much flavor and I just think it makes them look pretty too.

Instructions for Instant Pot Smashed Potatoes

1. Rinse and scrub potatoes well since you’re leaving the skin on.
2. Then, cut into cubes/chunks and place in instant pot.
3. Pour the chicken broth on top.
4. Next, add in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Place lid on top and secure. Set vent to sealing.
6. Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Once timer is off, quick release pressure, and then carefully remove lid.
8. Add in butter and milk. Use a potato smasher or hand mixer to smash. Smash to your liking leaving more or less chunks.
9. Add in the parsley, mix, top with your favorites, and enjoy!

See how easy and quick these are? So go on and get that instant pot out and start cooking! You won’t regret it! Alright, I’m dying to know what your favorite dish is to have with smashed potatoes, what’s your favorite toppings to add?

Be sure to check out these Pumpkin Gingersnap Bites! They make for a fun, festive Fall dessert to take to a gathering or just to enjoy at home! My kids can basically make these without any help from me!